If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, then Beef Lombardi Casserole is the perfect dish for you. This classic ground beef casserole combines bold flavors, hearty textures, and a rich, cheesy finish that makes it a crowd-pleaser for families and gatherings.
With layers of savory ground beef, seasoned tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and a creamy cheese topping, this dish is a great make-ahead meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
In this post, you’ll discover why this casserole is a must-try, a detailed step-by-step guide, expert cooking tips, and fun variations to keep your family coming back for more. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Beef Lombardi Casserole
There are many reasons why Beef Lombardi Casserole deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Here’s why:
1. Made with Simple Ingredients
This easy ground beef casserole uses common pantry staples like tomato sauce, egg noodles, cheese, and sour cream, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
2. A Comfort Food Favorite
Packed with savory beef, creamy texture, and melted cheese, every bite is pure comfort food bliss.
3. Great for Meal Prep
Beef Lombardi Casserole stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a go-to make-ahead dinner.
4. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
Whether you’re cooking for a large family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is satisfying, filling, and sure to please every palate.
5. Quick and Easy to Make
This one-pan meal takes under an hour from start to finish, with minimal prep work required.
6. Customizable to Your Tastes
You can easily add your favorite vegetables, swap proteins, or tweak the spices to create a personalized version of this dish.
7. Kid-Approved
Picky eaters love this cheesy beef casserole, making it a go-to recipe for family-friendly meal nights.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Beef Lombardi Casserole:
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Use fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for added depth.
For the Noodle Layer:
- 8 ounces egg noodles – Cooked al dente for the best texture.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds a tangy creaminess.
- 1 cup cottage cheese – Makes the dish extra creamy.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully over the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds a gooey, stretchy texture.
- ½ cup green onions, chopped – Optional, for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned.
- Add diced onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Noodle Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Stir in drained egg noodles until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half the noodle mixture on the bottom.
- Layer with half the beef sauce.
- Repeat layers with the remaining noodles and beef sauce.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Expert Tips
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, onions, and quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Since the noodles will continue cooking in the oven, keep them slightly firm.
3. Drain Excess Fat
If using 80/20 ground beef, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to sit for at least 5 minutes so the layers set for better slicing.
5. Freezing Instructions
To freeze, assemble the casserole ahead of time, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months.
Variations
1. Make It Spicy
- Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture for extra heat.
2. Swap the Protein
- Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage for a unique twist.
3. Add More Veggies
- Sneak in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
4. Low-Carb Version
- Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
5. Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair With a Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Add Garlic Bread – A side of warm garlic bread enhances the comforting meal.
- Serve With Roasted Veggies – Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus complete the plate.
FAQ
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I Freeze Beef Lombardi Casserole?
Yes! Store it unbaked or baked, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.
4. What Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar and mozzarella create the best melt and flavor combo.
5. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! Try penne, rigatoni, or rotini instead of egg noodles.
Conclusion
Beef Lombardi Casserole is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves easy, comforting, and family-friendly meals. With its rich layers of ground beef, creamy noodles, and cheesy topping, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Do you plan to try Beef Lombardi Casserole? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post with friends and family who love comfort food.
Enjoy your hearty, homemade Beef Lombardi Casserole! 🍽️💕
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7 Irresistible Reasons to Try Beef Lombardi Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Lombardi Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of savory ground beef, creamy egg noodles, and gooey melted cheese come together in this easy ground beef casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this dish will quickly become a household favorite!
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Noodle Layer:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
- Boil salted water and cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef.
- Add diced onions and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Make the Creamy Noodle Layer
- In a bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese. Stir in cooked egg noodles.
Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the noodle mixture, then half the beef sauce. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of egg noodles.
Make-Ahead & Freeze: Assemble, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving - Approximate
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg